Quick question: does cigarette lighter "stay on"?

[ChrisZang]

Originally Posted by stateofidleness

Hey all,
Just have a quick question... I'm doing an in-car camera project and it will be powered by the cigarette lighter, but I'm concerned about it "staying on" while the car is off and draining the battery. I'd like a solution where I could leave it plugged in.

If it DOES stay on all the time, is there a way to "override" that somehow?

Looks like this thread has derailed a little.
Back to your original question:
Hidden inside the console is a 4 prong connector which provides permanent and switched power.
If you search the forum there are several threads as how to locate the connector

[Burg Boxster]

The plug is under the center console stack. Pull on the carpeted panel at red arrow towards the sides of the car about 2 inches to unsnap the panel (same can be done in passenger side). Then slide the panel towards front of the car to release the panel completely.




Dig around (it might be taped to the floor) for a 4 pin/wire (3 pin if MY '97) connector. Here's an actual picture of the connector and a schematic:



(I made this one for someone who needed to discern which wire was which based on the plug b/c they were color-blind).

If you're not color blind, here's an easier schematic I made:


Or you could always just run a lead to the fuse panel are there are a number of switched and unswitched empty slots available there too.

Good luck

[nathan_h]

Originally Posted by Burg Boxster

The plug is under the center console stack. Pull on the carpeted panel at red arrow towards the sides of the car about 2 inches to unsnap the panel (same can be done in passenger side). Then slide the panel towards front of the car to release the panel completely.




Dig around (it might be taped to the floor) for a 4 pin/wire (3 pin if MY '97) connector. Here's an actual picture of the connector and a schematic:



(I made this one for someone who needed to discern which wire was which based on the plug b/c they were color-blind).

If you're not color blind, here's an easier schematic I made:


Or you could always just run a lead to the fuse panel are there are a number of switched and unswitched empty slots available there too.

Good luck

Anyone have copies of these images. I have to pull the USB adapter out of the liter each time we park, but otherwise the darn thing keeps draining power.